A UK-wide trial to work out which is the best treatment for chronic hand eczema is being coordinated by researchers from the University of Leeds. The ALPHA trial, funded by the National Institute for Health Research, is being led by Leeds’ Clinical Trials Research Unit with colleagues from Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. It aims to work out which is the most effective hand eczema treatment in people over 18 who have failed to respond to steroid creams. The treatments to be compared in the trial are the tablet treatment Alitretinoin and an ultraviolet light therapy called PUVA, where the...

Scented candles are a favourite at this time of year and chances are you've either been given one for Christmas or been in a home where their flickering glow has been accompanied by an aromatic whiff. But be warned. In March, a team of experts tested six scented candles and identified they gave off a host of potentially dangerous industrial chemicals including formaldehyde and VOCs known to raise the risk of respiratory problems and cancer. The study also warned that you don't even need to light them as simple evaporation enables the candles to pollute your home. Other studies have...

Did you know that people with Night Eating Syndrome (NES) consume 25per cent or more of their daily calories after the evening meal and may also wake in the middle of the night for food? Sound like you? Help is at hand. Night Eating Syndrome is linked to body clock disturbances and light therapy, using the daylight simulating lamps used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), have been found to reduce the urge of those with NES to binge eat after dark. In a trial, patients had an hour of early morning light therapy for 13 days. After the therapy,...

Eyelash extensions give great, longlasting glamour. But about one in twenty clients will develop an allergy to the adhesives used to apply them. Symptoms of allergic reaction to lash adhesives are mainly swollen, red, sore lids, sometimes with crusting. In some instances, the allergy may only develop after repeated exposure over a period of time. It is important to return to your beauty salon to have the lashes removed if these symptoms occur and if they persist longer than a few days, then go and see your doctor. Single eyelash extension adhesives are made from a chemical agent called cyanoacrylate,...